Recently, one such event brought together three Centers at once: from Pisochyn, Bohodukhiv, and Balakliia. The event was organized by Yurii Chumak, the regional coordinator of the Travelling Festival in the Kharkiv Region and head of the DUMA Centre for Legal and Political Research, who personally visited Pisochyn. This place has a special connection with the film, as some of the protagonists of the documentary How I Spent My Summer Holidays? are from here.

The film introduces viewers to teenagers from different regions of Ukraine who, despite the war, continue to believe in themselves, dream, and plan for the future. Ukrainian director Antonio Lukich shows that even in the darkest times, young people remain young — sincere, curious, and strong in spirit.

Photo: by Andriy Avdeev

After the screening, participants took part in a discussion where they shared their own thoughts and emotions.

“This film feels like it’s about us. We’ve lived through occupation, we live in wartime, but we try not to lose hope,” shared Alla from Balakliia.

“I like that everyone in the film speaks honestly. Each person has their own life, but everyone wants the same thing: for peace to come to Ukraine,” added Yehor from Pisochyn.

“The film shows that even if it’s hard, you have to keep moving toward your goal. This understanding is valuable for everyone,” noted Svitlana from Bohodukhiv.

Photo: by Andriy Avdeev

After a video conference, Yurii Chumak conducted an interactive exercise with the teenagers from Pisochyn, using the With Emotions psychological cards, which help recognize one’s feelings, find inner resources, and gain support.

“I enjoyed working with the cards! It was interesting to discover what emotions I feel when I think about my dreams,” shared Marharyta.

Photo: by Andriy Avdeev

The event became an example of how documentary cinema can be combined with emotional reflection and sincere conversation about life. Such gatherings help young people not only to think but also to feel — with hope, strength, and faith in the future.

Resilience Centers from the Chuhuiv and Kehychiv Hromadas have also joined the 22nd Travelling Docudays UA.

Author: Heorhii Kobzar

* A Resilience Center is an inclusive space within a hromada where anyone can receive primary psychological and social assistance, consultations, and take part in group sessions and trainings. It is a pilot project of the Ministry of Social Policy aimed at helping people cope with stress, especially in wartime conditions, recover after crisis events, and maintain an active life.

The 22nd Travelling Docudays UA is held with the financial support of the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, and International Media Support. The opinions, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily correspond to the views of the European Union, the governments or charities of these countries. Responsibility for the content of the publication lies solely on its authors.